Ilā’s army had settled comfortably, and she herself dwelled in the sacred forest of Umā, where she once more delighted in singing and dancing. Living as a woman, Ilā often reflected on her past actions, and at times, while she danced, her mind would wander to the journey that had brought her there. One day, Budha, wise and discerning, was on his way to visit his father. As he passed near the forest, he saw Ilā in the midst of her dance. Captivated by her presence, Budha abandoned his original path and approached her, speaking with gentle words: “Be my wife, be at ease, and be dear to all.” Ilā, filled with devotion, welcomed Budha’s proposal and responded with joy. She remembered the words once spoken to her by a yakṣiṇī, and her heart was pleased, O sage. Budha, delighted by her affection, brought Ilā to his splendid abode, where she devoted herself wholeheartedly to pleasing her husband. As time passed, Budha, contented and grateful, addressed his beloved Ilā: “What shall I give you, gentle one? Tell me what dear thing is in your heart.” At that very moment, Ilā spoke her wish: “Give me a son,” she asked Budha, son of Soma, with love and longing. Budha replied, “This is certain, born of my strength and affection. Therefore, you shall have a son, renowned among the kṣatriyas. He will be the maker of the Soma lineage, glorious, radiant like the sun, wise like Bṛhaspati, and patient as the earth itself. In valor he will be like Hari in battle, and in wrath, like the fire that consumes all offerings.” When that great-souled son of Budha was about to be born, cries of victory resounded everywhere—even in the house of the gods. As soon as the child was born, the lords of the gods assembled there, and I too, O wise one, came filled with joy. The newborn son cried out with a loud voice, and because of this, all the gathered sages and gods declared: “Since his cry was great, he shall be called Pururavas.” Thus, with satisfied hearts, they gave him this name. Budha instructed his virtuous son Pururavas in the knowledge of kingship and granted him the Dhanurveda, the science of archery, along with its applications. The boy grew quickly, like the waxing moon. Yet, as he matured, he noticed his mother was sometimes afflicted by sorrow. Humble at heart, Pururavas approached Ilā and bowed, asking, “O mother, Budha is my father and your beloved husband; I am a dutiful son—why then do you have this mental anguish?” Ilā replied, “Indeed, son, Budha is my husband and you are a treasure of virtues; I have never felt any worry caused by husband or son. Still, sometimes I remember a former sorrow, and my mind returns to it again and again, O great-minded one.” Moved by her words, Pururavas said, “Mother, tell me that very first thing of mine.” Ilā hesitated, “How can I speak of this secret matter? Yet, my son, I will tell you. For parents sunk in the ocean of sorrow, a son is truly the supreme raft.” Hearing her resolve, Pururavas humbly fell at her feet and urged, “Speak, mother, just as it is.” Then Ilā recounted to Pururavas the lineage of the Ikṣvākus, her own birth among them, her name, the attainment of the kingdom, and her beloved sons. She spoke of the family priest Vasiṣṭha, her dear husband, her own position, her departure to the forest, and the presence of the ministers and priest. She told of being sent from the city, her fondness for hunting, her journey to the caves of the Himalayas, and her time in the house of the lord of the Yakṣas. Ilā described her entry into the grove of Umā, her complete transformation into womanhood, and the command of Maheshvara that no man should enter there. She spoke of the yakṣiṇī’s words, the granting of a boon, the coming of Budha, the joy at the birth of a son, and all else in detail. After hearing all this, Pururavas asked his mother, “What shall I do? By doing what will I attain merit? If you are satisfied with this, O mother, let it be enough; but if anything else is in your mind, command me in that as well.” Ilā replied, “I desire the highest form of manhood; I desire the supreme kingdom, the consecration of your sons, and especially yours. I wish to give gifts, to perform sacrifices, to contemplate the path of liberation; I wish to accomplish all this by the grace of your son. Tell me, what is the means by which manhood may be attained—whether by austerity or by some other way; speak to me the truth.” Pururavas answered, “Go, son, and ask your father, Budha, as is proper; he knows everything and will instruct you for your benefit.” At his mother’s word, Pururavas went directly to his father, bowed reverently, and spoke of his and his mother’s wishes. Budha replied, “I know Ilā, O greatly wise one; I know of her rebirth, her entry into the forest of Umā, and likewise the command of Śambhu. Therefore, by the grace of Śambhu and the favor of Umā, the curse will be lifted, son, only by worshipping them—not otherwise.” Pururavas then asked, “How may I see that god, or the mother Śiva? Is it through pilgrimage or austerity? Father, tell me first.” Budha instructed, “Go to Gautamī, son; there Śiva always resides, glorious, together with Umā, destroyer of curses and bestower of boons.” Hearing his father’s words, Pururavas was filled with joy. The wise one set out for Gautamī, to the sacred Ganges, purifier of the three worlds, ready to undertake austerities in pursuit of his purpose.